Sign Stealing Scandal and Performance Enhancing Drugs: A Comparison of Stigma in Baseball Hall of Fame Voting

The Astros sign-stealing scandal has raised critical questions about the future of players involved in such controversies, particularly when it comes to their eligibility for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Will the lingering stigma of sign stealing match that of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs)? This article explores the historical context of PEDs during the so-called 'steroid era,' provides insights into the stigma associated with each, and offers a perspective on future Hall of Fame voting.

Background on PEDs and the 'Steroid Era'

During the 1990s and early 2000s, baseball witnessed an era known as the 'steroid era,' characterized by widespread use of performance-enhancing drugs. These substances were not technically considered cheating, as there was no agreement on testing or punishment. Fay Vincent, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), issued a memo in 1991 prohibiting the use of illegal drugs and controlled substances, including steroids, but there was no enforcement.

The lack of regulatory oversight was further emphasized in 1997, when Bud Selig reiterated Vincent's stance. This memo, however, was nothing more than a statement of MLB's position. It was not until 2001 that minor leagues began testing and implementing punishments. Congress intervened in 2005, leading to significant changes in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and real enforcement mechanisms.

Sign Stealing Scandal Context

As the baseball world attempts to learn from past controversies, the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal has raised similar concerns. The team's involvement in using a camera to steal signs from the opposing team's catcher led to a major scandal. While the use of technology in baseball is now widely accepted, illegal signs stealing was a clear violation of the game's integrity.

Stigma in Hall of Fame Voting

One significant question revolves around the stigma that MLB writers will ascribe to these cheaters when voting on the Hall of Fame. Consider how PED users faced a similar dilemma when it came to their eligibility for induction.

Ineligible Players with PED Use

Players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both of whom are believed to have used PEDs, have seen significant obstacles to their Hall of Fame induction. While some argue that their achievements should speak for themselves, others hold their PED use against them, resulting in a lingering stigma. The lack of a systematic, fair, and transparent process during the 'steroid era' contributed to this stigma.

Current Roofing for Astros Players

For the current Houston Astros roster, particularly players like Jose Altuve and Justin Verlander, there is a significant chance they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their individual performances and resilience to the scandal. In the coming years, with the healthy contributions of Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa, the list could further expand.

Carlos Beltran and Other Players

Carlos Beltran, a key figure in the Astros sign-stealing case, faces a nuanced path to the Hall of Fame. Despite his strong performance, Beltran will likely be scrutinized by voters. His being the only player named in the MLB report makes him a prime candidate for the stigma associated with the scandal.

The critical question remains: will the penalty for sign stealing, akin to the approbation surrounding PED use, significantly impact players' Hall of Fame aspirations? Given the precedent set by PED users, it is highly probable that similar stigmas will follow sign-stealers. However, the absence of concrete punishments and the ongoing stance of baseball's regulatory bodies may provide a glimmer of hope.

In conclusion, the sign-stealing scandal and PED use both present complex moral and ethical dilemmas. The lingering stigma that players face in both scenarios suggests a cautious and discriminative approach from the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) when considering their Hall of Fame induction.